Devotion (Snape × Student OC)

30

Once outside of the shop, I noticed that Hermione and Ron were still browsing in the nearby store. With a sigh, I moved closer, deciding to join them. Ron glanced up from the display he had been examining and raised an eyebrow. "What took you so long?" Both Hermione and Ron followed my gaze to the shop I had just exited. They noticed Malfoy leaving with a disgruntled expression.

Hermione scowled. "Was he bothering you again?" I shrugged nonchalantly. "Trust me, none of his antics have had any impact on me lately. Let's head back to the castle." Together, we began to make our way back towards Hogwarts. While we walked, the autumn leaves crunched under our footsteps, creating a cheerful melody. Hermione looked at the bags I was carrying, admiring my purchases. "You bought quite a lot of things."

I showed them the treats I had purchased from Honeydukes for Harry. "I got these for Harry." Ron chimed in "We bought him some treats too!" The cold wind bit at our faces, causing our noses to turn red. Hermione groaned "Ugh.. My feet can't tolerate walking any more. We've been walking for hours." Ron's smirk widened, a mischievous gleam sparkling in his eyes.

"I'd be more than happy to carry you back to the castle, you know, considering you're quite light." he teased. Hermione playfully rolled her eyes, trying to hide her amusement "Oh, ha ha, very funny, Ron." I couldn't help but giggle, silently amused by the back and forth banter between my two friends. Secretly, they were my favorite duo constantly creating entertainment.

After a long, tiring walk, we finally reached the castle. I felt exhaustion setting in, and I was ready to collapse at any second. I need a new pair of feet.
As we stepped into the common room, Harry was still lounging on a sofa, lazily finishing his homework. His gaze lifted as we approached. Ron settled himself beside Harry and began tossing him various treats. "Here you go, mate. We got you some sweets." Harry smiled gratefully. "Thanks. How was Hogsmeade?"

Hermione replied, her voice filled with enthusiasm "It was good and exciting." I nodded in agreement and placed my new hat down before continuing "There were so many shops; you should've been with us. The Honeydukes had endless treats of all sorts, and the clothing stores were amazing." I added, recalling the numerous options from earlier. I set the cauldron cakes and fizzy candies in front of Harry. "Try them; they're delightful."

Harry took a bite of the cauldron cake and nodded appreciatively. "I like the taste." The trio continued their conversation, but I excused myself and went off to change my clothes. I placed the new quill and black scarf on my bed, planning to give them to Snape after the feast. What if he refuses them? He's not the kind of person to accept gifts from students...

After putting on my new red pullover, I looked at Teddy "How do i look?" The cat meowed lazily before closing its eyes to rest. I chuckled softly. "Such an unhappy meow. Don't tell me you're still upset about Mrs. Norris." The feast was magnificent as always, the food and sweets were absolutely delicious, and I found myself eating more than I intended, even when my stomach felt full. My gaze drifted towards Snape, and I noticed that he seemed to be glaring intently at Professor Lupin.

Am I seeing things, or does he look angrier than usual? What could have possibly happened between them? I shrugged it off for the moment, turning my attention back to the feast. The bag beside me caught my eyes. Why does it seem EVERY TIME I want to talk to Snape, he's not in the mood? After the feast, as I hurried through the crowded exit of the Great Hall, making my way towards the dungeons, I accidentally bumped into someone.

My bag slipped from my hand, and I bent down to grab it. "Sorry..." I mumbled as I attempted to retrieve it. It wasn't until I stood up that I realized I had unintentionally bumped into Malfoy. Malfoy's expression shifted into his signature smirk as he looked down at me, clearly enjoying the situation. "Well, well, if it isn't the clumsy one.." he sneered. "Can't even walk straight, can you?" I clutched my bag tightly "I can walk perfectly fine, so kindly move aside."